Two SUNY Canton students face drug, counterfeit charges

CANTON  An investigation into drug sales on the SUNY Canton campus and in the village resulted in the arrest of two SUNY Canton students Monday and the seizure of a drugs, paraphernalia and counterfeit money.

Village police and St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force members arrested Rashid M. Stirling, 23, of Brooklyn, and Donnell Q. Tucker, 19, of New York City, after they executed search warrants and seized 30 packets of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and counterfeit U.S. currency.

Police said they searched campus dormitory rooms, a Nissan Maxima and an apartment at 49 W. Main St.

Mr. Stirling was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony.

Mr. Tucker was charged with first-degree possession of a forged instrument, a felony; seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.

SUNY Canton spokesman Gregory E. Kie said the news came as a disappointment, especially given that the school offers extensive drug and alcohol educational programming to help prevent drug use.

Our university Police Department will continue work with the Canton Village Police Department and the St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force to investigate potential student-related incidents, Mr. Kie said. The college has a very strict drug and alcohol policy. Drug use, possession and the intent to distribute narcotics are strictly prohibited.

Mr. Stirling and Mr. Tucker will face college disciplinary measures, and the matter will be addressed by the campus judicial system.

Both men were arraigned by Pierrepont Town Justice Robert G. Camp and sent to St. Lawrence County jail.Mr. Stirling is being held on $3,000 cash or $6,000 bond.

Mr. Tucker is being held on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing for both men has been scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday in Pierrepont Town Court.

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